President stands by Roxas, Purisima despite rising crime rate

A breakdown in peace and order is not a strong reason for President Benigno Aquino 3rd to let go of Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd and Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the two officials continue to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Aquino.

He was reacting to statements of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) calling on the President to sack Roxas and Purisima for their failure to address “the worsening crime rate in the country.” As secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Roxas has control of the police force.

VACC founding chairman Dante Jimenez earlier said the President should replace Roxas and Purisima with more competent individuals.

“There is nothing personal here. Let us protect the institutions. There are a lot of people out there who can focus on strategies meant to protect and benefit our people from crimes,” Jimenez explained.

The anti-crime group sent a letter to Aquino suggesting ways to resolve the peace and security problem. The proposals include the establishment of a modern prison similar to those in the United States and requiring motorcycle passengers to wear vests.

Coloma said the VACC’s proposal is already being studied by the Office of the Executive Secretary.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa komunikasyon ng VACC sa Pangulo at sa kanilang pagbibigay ng panukala para mabawasan at masabat ang kriminalidad [We appreciate the communication sent by the VACC to the President and its proposal to reduce and fight crimes],” he added

The PNP has been criticized for the recent killings of high-profile personalities including Richard King, owner of Crown Regency chain of hotels, and champion car racer Ferdinand “Enzo” Pastor.

King, 57, was shot by a lone gunman inside his office in Dav ao City last week.

Pastor, 32, on the other hand, was ambushed by two motorcycle-riding assassins in Quezon City on Thursday also last week. On Wednesday, Coloma cited the acute lack of policemen as reason behind the seeming rise in criminality.

But, he insisted, the government is working to address these shortcomings and that the PNP is determined to step up its campaign against crime prevention. Coloma noted that President Aquino has been taking a hands-on attitude when it comes to crime and police matters.

“There is no failure in that aspect of supervision,” the Palace official said.

According to Coloma, the PNP is increasing its visibility through intensified patrols and checkpoints especially in critical areas.

He said the PNP is recruiting 18,500 additional police officers. “All measures are being undertaken to make PNP’s law enforcement capacity effective.”

3 Comments

Given the President’s propensity for immediately expressing his TRUST on anybody in his camp who is under fire, why not just print the word “CERTIFIED TRUSTED” on secure stickers with the Presidential logo. The sticker can then be easily stuck on each newly absolved conscript’s forehead for everyone to see. From thereon, this conscript is made immune (up to noontime of June 30, 2016) from any demand for his/her resignation.

Yes, Mr. President what did these two have done for the good of the Country lately? not only the crime rate is increasing, but this allegation that some ranking police officers may be involved in gun running activities, selling 1000 + AK 47 to the NPA or perhaps some of these guns may be sold to the criminals and are being used to commit crimes? Perhaps, it is time for you to listen to VACC, and other people who observed the same. Do not let these lackluster cabinet members drag your government down, to imperil your exemplary governance thus far. Good luck and God bless.

This is expected. If PNoy will not exonerate these 2, he is no more PNoy, he is just being consistent in his actions, like if he needs something done by the Senate or the Lower House, bribe them! If his men and women steal public money, it is okay, they are immediately forgiven, as if he owns the country.